Deuce McAllister Returns As Saints Play Their Best

In what turned out to be the their most complete game of the season thus far, the New Orleans Saints finally played well on both sides of the ball in their 31-17 win against the San Francisco 49ers.

The offense had 467 total net yards for the game, it was the third time in four games that the Saints had over 350 yards of offense in a game. The defense had six sacks in the game after only four sacks in the previous three games.

The key to the offense’s success was the return of the franchise’s greatest running back, Deuce McAllister. McAllister powered his way to 73 yards rushing on 20 carries with a touchdown. His threat with the running game allowed the passing game to open up with more play action fakes, leaving more holes in coverage since the Tampa Bay game.

Drew Brees turned in another stellar performance, throwing 363 yards and two touchdowns. It was the third time in four games that Brees passed for at least 340 yards. With WR Marques Colston still out with injury, wide receiver Lance Moore had a career day with seven catches for 101 yards and two touchdowns.

Brees currently ranks first in the NFL in passing yards (1,343), completions (107), and completion percentage (72.3). He ranks second in attempts (148), third in quarterback rating (106.9), and fourth in touchdown passes (8). Brees is currently leading the Saints to the number one passing offense in the NFL, but the team still ranks 25th in rushing.

The Saints defense held the 49ers to just 312 total net yards. It was the first time this season that the Saints did not give up at least 350 yards. It was also the first time this season that the team intercepted two passes in a game. \

Rookie Cornerback Tracey Porter got his first career interception in the fourth quarter. Porter continues to evolve with each game, as does the rest of the defense, but thwy still rank 27th in total defense.

For the first time this season, the Saints defense held the opposition to under 100 yards rushing in the game. Despite that statistic, the Saints still have yet to allow a single running back to rush for over 100 yards in a game against them.

This game was definitely a statement game, after two consecutive late game losses, the Saints are still improving week by week, as injured players begin coming back.

Once all the right pieces are back in place, this team should be fully developed and a very extremely dangerous to play against.